Final answer:
Blood pressure is measured in two components: systolic pressure and diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure represents arterial pressure during ventricular contraction, while diastolic pressure represents arterial pressure during ventricular relaxation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Blood pressure is measured in two components: systolic pressure and diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure is the higher value, typically around 120 mm Hg, and represents the arterial pressure during ventricular contraction. Diastolic pressure is the lower value, usually around 80 mm Hg, and represents the arterial pressure during ventricular relaxation. These measurements are commonly written as a ratio, such as 120/80, and can fluctuate throughout the day due to various factors.